Americans discard an estimated 18.2 million mattresses annually, with only 19 percent recycled and the rest sent to landfills or incinerators.
The United States throws out roughly 50,000 mattresses every day. Recyclers can recover 80 to 95 percent of materials including steel, foam, fiber, and wood for new products, yet most beds end up buried or burned instead.
Americans recycle nearly four out of five worn tires, outpacing many other common materials. The figure comes from the latest report by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association.
Reported by AI
American households now hold an average of 24 electronic devices, contributing to record global e-waste levels.
This year's Carnival season produced a record 1,363 tons of waste along New Orleans parade routes, a 24 percent increase from last year. The total equals the weight of more than 1 million king cakes. City officials and environmental groups point to larger crowds and abandoned items as key factors.
Reported by AI
Companies are expanding solar panel recycling capacity as early installations reach end of life. Recent openings and funding signal growing industry momentum in the United States and Europe. Policy changes are also underway to support higher recovery rates.